Notev Uadecci on Nostr: GrapheneOS (this is what I use): Pros: Improved security: GrapheneOS enhances the ...
GrapheneOS (this is what I use):
Pros:
Improved security: GrapheneOS enhances the security of the OS and the apps running on it by providing more granular control of system-level permissions. The app sandbox and other security boundaries are also fortified.
Private by default: The OS has numerous features that are meant to improve your privacy. By default, all the apps have very limited permissions, and whatever app you download, they can’t access your data without your consent.
Verified boot: GrapheneOS finishes the incomplete implementation of verified boot for out-of-band updates to packages (APKs) in the OS, providing continuous verification for every read from an out-of-band APK update.
Fully sandboxed Google Play services and store: Google play store and services are just regular sandboxed android apps, as opposed as part of the core system like in every other Android rim.
Much more advanced security features than vanilla Android, some of which get implemented afterwards into AOSP. Updates are plenty and frequent, sometimes up to 3 in a week, never seen it more than one day behind Android security updates, and even that is rare.
Cons:
Limited app support: As GrapheneOS is a custom Android fork, it may not support all the apps that are available on the Google Play Store. Although, I still have to find that one app that doesn't work for me, but the devs do warn of this possibility.
Steeper learning curve: GrapheneOS is a custom operating system, and it may take some time to get used to its unique features and settings.
Limited hardware support: Only Pixel devices are supported.
Limited customization options: Has some customization options out of the box, but certainly less than any other Roms out there.
Some people seem to think the lead dev is a paranoid asshole.
CalyxOS (tried it a couple of times only to end back in GrapheneOS):
Pros:
Privacy-focused: CalyxOS is designed to protect user privacy by removing tracking and advertising IDs, blocking data collection, and providing end-to-end encryption for messaging apps.
User-friendly: CalyxOS is easy to use and offers a familiar Android experience, making it accessible to users who want to prioritize privacy without sacrificing usability.
Monthly security updates: CalyxOS receives regular security updates, ensuring that users have the latest security patches and features. Although it's always behind by a couple of weeks to a month.
Customizable: CalyxOS allows users to customize their experience with various themes, icon packs, and widgets.
Supports popular apps: CalyxOS supports most popular apps, including Google services, social media, and productivity tools.
Cons:
Limited app selection: CalyxOS has a limited selection of apps compared to the Google Play Store, which may limit users’ access to certain apps or services. If you want Google Play services, it uses Microg instead of sandboxing.
No Google services integration: CalyxOS does not integrate with Google services, which may be a drawback for users who rely on Google’s ecosystem.
No microG support: While CalyxOS can be installed with microG, which allows for some Google services integration, this may not be suitable for all users.
Limited hardware support: CalyxOS may not be compatible with all devices or hardware configurations, which can limit its availability. But it does more than just Pixel devices.
Steep learning curve: CalyxOS has a unique interface and settings menu, which may take some time for users to get accustomed to.
So, those are the basic differences.
Pros:
Improved security: GrapheneOS enhances the security of the OS and the apps running on it by providing more granular control of system-level permissions. The app sandbox and other security boundaries are also fortified.
Private by default: The OS has numerous features that are meant to improve your privacy. By default, all the apps have very limited permissions, and whatever app you download, they can’t access your data without your consent.
Verified boot: GrapheneOS finishes the incomplete implementation of verified boot for out-of-band updates to packages (APKs) in the OS, providing continuous verification for every read from an out-of-band APK update.
Fully sandboxed Google Play services and store: Google play store and services are just regular sandboxed android apps, as opposed as part of the core system like in every other Android rim.
Much more advanced security features than vanilla Android, some of which get implemented afterwards into AOSP. Updates are plenty and frequent, sometimes up to 3 in a week, never seen it more than one day behind Android security updates, and even that is rare.
Cons:
Limited app support: As GrapheneOS is a custom Android fork, it may not support all the apps that are available on the Google Play Store. Although, I still have to find that one app that doesn't work for me, but the devs do warn of this possibility.
Steeper learning curve: GrapheneOS is a custom operating system, and it may take some time to get used to its unique features and settings.
Limited hardware support: Only Pixel devices are supported.
Limited customization options: Has some customization options out of the box, but certainly less than any other Roms out there.
Some people seem to think the lead dev is a paranoid asshole.
CalyxOS (tried it a couple of times only to end back in GrapheneOS):
Pros:
Privacy-focused: CalyxOS is designed to protect user privacy by removing tracking and advertising IDs, blocking data collection, and providing end-to-end encryption for messaging apps.
User-friendly: CalyxOS is easy to use and offers a familiar Android experience, making it accessible to users who want to prioritize privacy without sacrificing usability.
Monthly security updates: CalyxOS receives regular security updates, ensuring that users have the latest security patches and features. Although it's always behind by a couple of weeks to a month.
Customizable: CalyxOS allows users to customize their experience with various themes, icon packs, and widgets.
Supports popular apps: CalyxOS supports most popular apps, including Google services, social media, and productivity tools.
Cons:
Limited app selection: CalyxOS has a limited selection of apps compared to the Google Play Store, which may limit users’ access to certain apps or services. If you want Google Play services, it uses Microg instead of sandboxing.
No Google services integration: CalyxOS does not integrate with Google services, which may be a drawback for users who rely on Google’s ecosystem.
No microG support: While CalyxOS can be installed with microG, which allows for some Google services integration, this may not be suitable for all users.
Limited hardware support: CalyxOS may not be compatible with all devices or hardware configurations, which can limit its availability. But it does more than just Pixel devices.
Steep learning curve: CalyxOS has a unique interface and settings menu, which may take some time for users to get accustomed to.
So, those are the basic differences.